Relationships: Why Do Some People Stay In Touch With Their Ex?

Relationships: Why Do Some People Stay In Touch With Their Ex?

By Oliver JR Cooper

If one's relationship has just come to an end, they could decide to cut their ties and to move on with their life. As a result of this, they are not going to want to stay in touch with their ex.

One Step Back

Doing so could be seen as something that will stop them from being able to put the past firmly behind them. And, if one didn't really get on with the other person or if they simply grew apart, this is going to make perfect sense.

In this case, staying in touch would be similar to keeping a car that no longer works - it wouldn't make sense. Their time with the other person has come to an end and it will be in their best interest to let go.

A New Beginning

Now that their relationship has come to end, they can focus more of their energy and attention on other areas of their life. They may decide that they want to spend some time in their own company.

Through doing this, it will give them the opportunity to get back in touch with who they are. Alternatively, one might not need to do this, as they might already be only too aware of what their needs are.

External Feedback

The people in their life could understand why they no longer want to speak to the person they were with. If one wasn't in a relationship that was very healthy, they might be relieved that one is taking this approach.

They would have seen the amount of damage that this was doing to them, and they might have even encouraged them to walk away before. But even if their relationship wasn't unhealthy, they could still support their decision.

A Pattern

If one was to look back on their life, they may find that this is how they have always behaved. So, no matter what their relationships were like in the past, their behaviour would have been the same.

Then again, one might have held on in the past and came to see that this was not doing them any favours. Their change in behaviour will be the result of an experience or a number of experiences that had a big impact on them.

A Different Approach

But for every person who behaves in this way, there are going to be plenty of others who don't. When one can relate to this, they are not be able to just walk away; they will need to stay in touch with their ex.

Therefore, once one is no longer in a relationship with someone, they will still be part of their life. One is then not going to want to be too close to them, but they won't want them to be too far away either.

Two Experiences

If one was in a relationship that wasn't dysfunctional, it could be said that this kind of behaviour makes sense. But if they didn't get on, it can be a lot harder to comprehend what is going on.

When it comes to the former, they will probably respect each other and there will be all the positive experiences that they had together, and they might have mutual friends. Yet, when it comes to the latter, there is unlikely to be any respect between them and there will be all the negative experiences that they have shared.

One Factor

What one could find is that staying in touch with their ex makes it easier for them to handle how they feel. This person, as well as their others exes, could provide them with the support that they need to make up for their inner instability.

If they were with someone who was abusive, being this way is going to make it harder for them to cut their ties with someone who is not good for them. Their inner instability will cause them to hold on and it would have been one of the reasons why they ended up with someone like this to begin with.

Another Factor

One's emotions are going to be out of control and this will make it harder for them to be able to control their behaviour. But while someone who stays in touch with their ex could be emotionally out of control, they could also be emotionally dead.

When this takes place, it is not going to be a way for them to settle themselves down; it will be a way for them to gain resources. Having their ex in their life can allow them to have sex, gain money and receive other benefits.

Two Extremes

The person in the first example probably won't find it hard to empathise; whereas the person in the second example probably will. Empathy is vital when it comes to being able to treat other people as separate human beings, as opposed to objects that are there to be used.

Ergo, when one sees another person as an object that exists to fulfil their needs, it is going to be a challenge for them to realise that this person also has feelings and needs. And, if they were to get to a point where they no longer need them, they could discard them.

Awareness

If someone does use people, it is unlikely that they would feel the need to change their behaviour. On the other hand, if one feels emotionally unstable, they might look into what they can do to settle themselves down.

With that said, if someone can see that they stay in touch with their ex (or ex's) for the wrong reason, it might be a good idea for them to reach out for external support. This can be provided by the assistance of a therapist or a healer.

Prolific writer, author, and coach, Oliver JR Cooper, hails from England. His insightful commentary and analysis covers all aspects of human transformation, including love, partnership, self-love, and inner awareness. With over one thousand six hundred in-depth articles highlighting human psychology and behaviour, Oliver offers hope along with his sound advice.

To find out more go to - http://www.oliverjrcooper.co.uk/

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Article Source: Relationships: Why Do Some People Stay In Touch With Their Ex?

Characteristics of a Good Coach

Characteristics of a Good Coach

By Derek Parola

I've had dozens and dozens of coaches in my sports career and each one has touched my life in more ways than one. As a child growing up, I looked up to my coaches and they were almost felt like second parents to me. The power of a coach can be similar to that of your parents. They can teach valuable life lessons like hard work, determination, teamwork, and leadership. From previous experience, a coach's impact can forever stay with a player until the day he dies. The more dedicated the player, the more likely the player can trust a coach. From what I've noticed, all good coaches have certain traits that they all contain. I'll share with you the three characteristics that I believe all good coaches have.

The first and most important characteristic is being committed. A coach must show that he or she is willing to do just about anything for their players. As a player, nothing wants to make you want to win more than a coach that is passionate and loving towards his or her team. A coach that is committed gets players to be more committed to working hard and being better people on or off the field.

The next characteristic is trust. A coach must trust his players on and off the field or court. If a coach cannot trust their players, then how is a player supposed to trust their coach. Trust can help players feel more comfortable in high pressure situations. I say this because if the most powerful person in the building trusts you with the ball or the bat in your hand, then you should be able to trust yourself to handle that situation.

The last characteristic is patience. The famous saying "patience is a virtue" is true in almost aspects of life, especially in coaching. Patience allows players to believe in themselves even after rough practices or tough games. There's nothing worse than playing for a coach that loses his mind after one turnover, an error, or an interception. A coach that tells you to keep going and to keep your head up after a physical mistake are the coaches that players love to play for. Now obviously, everyone won't agree with me that these are the three most important characteristics, but I believe that everyone can agree that all good coaches possess these characteristics. These three traits are a must in all good coaches.

Article Source: Characteristics of a Good Coach

How to Improve Team Culture and Attitude

How to Improve Team Culture and Attitude

By Derek Parola

The three musts that coaches must do to improve a team culture. Those three things are getting the players to buy in to the system, creating an accepting environment, and establishing a hard-working expectation.

Getting players to buy into the coach's system can be a delicate process when it comes to college level athletics. This can be the case because players come from all around the country and have been coached by different coaches their entire life. We'll use baseball as example. Today, majority of baseball players are products of individual hitting coaches, infield coaches, or pitching coaches and these coaches believe their style is the best style. These players buy into these coach's philosophies because it got them to the college level. Now, college coaches want to change something about a player and the players are reluctant to change because their college coach's ideas are not the same as their hitting coach or pitching coach growing up. For coaches to get their players to buy in they must get the players to understand why the system runs the way it does. The coaches need to have a meeting with the players and explain to them that we do these drills because it aids in "X"and then that "X" will help us become better players. If players do not understand why they are doing what they are doing, then they have no chance of buying to what the coach believes. Another thing coaches need to do is to show their players successful results because of the system they run. They should show the current players successful stats and videos of old players that played for them. For a new coach, they should show them stats and videos of teams that run similar systems to what the new coach is trying to implement. My head coach at ISU has a meeting at the beginning of each year and tells us the new drills we will be doing and explains what each drill helps. This helps my teammates trust my coach and it creates a sense of trust between players knowing that everyone is on the same page working towards the same goal.

An accepting environment is important to a player's learning and development. A player that feels threatened and unimportant are far more likely to fail than they are to succeed. A player in a safe and accepting environment will be open to new ideas and will bounce back from failure quicker because they know if they fail for trying, they will not be punished, but praised for trying. One way to create an accepting environment is by being a supportive leader rather than an achievement oriented leader. A leader that emphasizes results rather than the process can created unneeded pressure on players. Baseball is a game where failure happens a lot more than success. A coach that preaches getting a hit every time will make a player press more and more each game. This will make a player tense up in in-game situations because the player knows that if he doesn't get a hit then he will be punished or yelled at. A coach that preaches hitting the ball hard no matter if it's a hit or an out will make players feel more comfortable in the batter's box, which will lead to more hard hit balls, which will eventually end up with more hits for the team. The process is much more valuable in baseball than the results.

Establishing a hardworking environment is vital to a high performing team and culture. Baseball is known not to be a power sport, but rather a finesse sport. This may have some truth to it, but it is very important to have strength to play at a very high level. The weight room is an important place for a baseball player to work hard, but it is also a very easy place for a player to be lazy and not take seriously. Making sure your players are going 100 percent in the weight room is a must to establishing a hardworking environment. The coach must find ways to motivate their players in one way or another. The coach can do this by setting goals for each player every couple of weeks. An example of this would be testing their squat max at the beginning of the season and then testing their squat max at the end of the season to make sure they have gained power. If their squat has not improved, then there will be a punishment for the player. If a hard-working environment is set in the weight room, it will also transfer over to the ball field. Players will feel too invested to the process to just go 50 percent at the field. Another thing to do to create a hard-working environment is to make sure the game is played the right way. This includes making players sprint in and off the field in-between innings. This includes making players run 100 percent on the base paths whether it's a for sure hit or a for sure out and when players don't obey these simple rules then they will be punished. This will create a hard-nosed mentality which will aid in the culture.

Article Source:  How to Improve Team Culture and Attitude

The "Experts" Are Getting Crypto All Wrong

The "Experts" Are Getting Crypto All Wrong

By Ted Bauman

Bitcoin peaked about a month ago, on December 17, at a high of nearly $20,000. As I write, the cryptocurrency is under $11,000... a loss of about 45%. That's more than $150 billion in lost market cap.

Cue much hand-wringing and gnashing of teeth in the crypto-commentariat. It's neck-and-neck, but I think the "I-told-you-so" crowd has the edge over the "excuse-makers."

Here's the thing: Unless you just lost your shirt on bitcoin, this doesn't matter at all. And chances are, the "experts" you may see in the press aren't telling you why.

In fact, bitcoin's crash is wonderful... because it means we can all just stop thinking about cryptocurrencies altogether.

The Death of Bitcoin...

In a year or so, people won't be talking about bitcoin in the line at the grocery store or on the bus, as they are now. Here's why.

Bitcoin is the product of justified frustration. Its designer explicitly said the cryptocurrency was a reaction to government abuse of fiat currencies like the dollar or euro. It was supposed to provide an independent, peer-to-peer payment system based on a virtual currency that couldn't be debased, since there was a finite number of them.

That dream has long since been jettisoned in favor of raw speculation. Ironically, most people care about bitcoin because it seems like an easy way to get more fiat currency! They don't own it because they want to buy pizzas or gas with it.

Besides being a terrible way to transact electronically - it's agonizingly slow - bitcoin's success as a speculative play has made it useless as a currency. Why would anyone spend it if it's appreciating so fast? Who would accept one when it's depreciating rapidly?

Bitcoin is also a major source of pollution. It takes 351 kilowatt-hours of electricity just to process one transaction - which also releases 172 kilograms of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. That's enough to power one U.S. household for a year. The energy consumed by all bitcoin mining to date could power almost 4 million U.S. households for a year.

Paradoxically, bitcoin's success as an old-fashioned speculative play - not its envisaged libertarian uses - has attracted government crackdown.

China, South Korea, Germany, Switzerland and France have implemented, or are considering, bans or limitations on bitcoin trading. Several intergovernmental organizations have called for concerted action to rein in the obvious bubble. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which once seemed likely to approve bitcoin-based financial derivatives, now seems hesitant.

And according to Investing.com: "The European Union is implementing stricter rules to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing on virtual currency platforms. It's also looking into limits on cryptocurrency trading."

We may see a functional, widely accepted cryptocurrency someday, but it won't be bitcoin.

... But a Boost for Crypto Assets

Good. Getting over bitcoin allows us to see where the real value of crypto assets lies. Here's how.

To use the New York subway system, you need tokens. You can't use them to buy anything else... although you could sell them to someone who wanted to use the subway more than you.

In fact, if subway tokens were in limited supply, a lively market for them might spring up. They might even trade for a lot more than they originally cost. It all depends on how much people want to use the subway.

That, in a nutshell, is the scenario for the most promising "cryptocurrencies" other than bitcoin. They're not money, they're tokens - "crypto-tokens," if you will. They aren't used as general currency. They are only good within the platform for which they were designed.

If those platforms deliver valuable services, people will want those crypto-tokens, and that will determine their price. In other words, crypto-tokens will have value to the extent that people value the things you can get for them from their associated platform.

That will make them real assets, with intrinsic value - because they can be used to obtain something that people value. That means you can reliably expect a stream of revenue or services from owning such crypto-tokens. Critically, you can measure that stream of future returns against the price of the crypto-token, just as we do when we calculate the price/earnings ratio (P/E) of a stock.

Bitcoin, by contrast, has no intrinsic value. It only has a price - the price set by supply and demand. It can't produce future streams of revenue, and you can't measure anything like a P/E ratio for it.

One day it will be worthless because it doesn't get you anything real.

Ether and Other Crypto Assets Are the Future

The crypto-token ether sure seems like a currency. It's traded on cryptocurrency exchanges under the code ETH. Its symbol is the Greek uppercase Xi character. It's mined in a similar (but less energy-intensive) process to bitcoin.

But ether isn't a currency. Its designers describe it as "a fuel for operating the distributed application platform Ethereum. It is a form of payment made by the clients of the platform to the machines executing the requested operations."

Ether tokens get you access to one of the world's most sophisticated distributed computational networks. It's so promising that big companies are falling all over each other to develop practical, real-world uses for it.

Because most people who trade it don't really understand or care about its true purpose, the price of ether has bubbled and frothed like bitcoin in recent weeks.

But eventually, ether will revert to a stable price based on the demand for the computational services it can "buy" for people. That price will represent real value that can be priced into the future. There'll be a futures market for it, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), because everyone will have a way to assess its underlying value over time. Just as we do with stocks.

What will that value be? I have no idea. But I know it will be a lot more than bitcoin.

My advice: Get rid of your bitcoin, and buy ether at the next dip.

Ted Bauman joined The Sovereign Investor Daily in 2013. As an expat who lived in South Africa for 25 years, Ted specializes in asset protection and international migration. Read more of what he has to say about offshore living here.

Article Source:  The "Experts" Are Getting Crypto All Wrong

Those Great Pumpkins

Those Great Pumpkins

By Dale Phillip

Pumpkins have been present in North America since 7000 B.C. and probably had their beginnings in Mexico. A member of the squash family, the name means "large melon" in Greek (pepon), which the French called pompon. It is believed that early civilizations consumed only the seeds, which were roasted before eating. The flesh of the early pumpkins was bitter and more suitable for animal feed, but the pumpkins themselves made handy vessels and bowls after they were cleaned out.

Although introduced to Europe by explorer Christopher Columbus, who brought back seeds from the Americas in the late 1400s, Europeans were slow to embrace the pumpkin for human consumption, relegating it to animal fodder and food for the lower classes, eschewed by elite. Some adventurous chefs created puddings and sweet desserts from the watery pulp, but overall, pumpkin pies were not showing up on the dining tables of French or British royalty. (After all, what did those upstarts across the pond in America know about fine cuisine, anyway?)

Native Americans were growing pumpkins long before the first settlers arrived at Plymouth Rock and introduced them to this versatile squash. Easy to grow, it soon became a staple of the early pilgrims and was used for soup, vegetables and stews.The first Thanksgiving feast included pumpkin and other winter squash varieties, which were easily stored, providing food through the long Northeastern winters.

Colonial cooks soon created new dishes using pumpkin, and it was popular in stews, boiled and buttered, mixed into sweet puddings and even made into beer. Mashed and sweetened, the first pumpkin pies appeared in the late 1600s, and even George Washington grew pumpkins and squash on his plantation but expressed disappointment in the bitter taste and his farm manager's inability to dry them for storage. (Pumpkin jerky?) Surprisingly, foodie president Thomas Jefferson, who grew acres of them in his famous gardens at Monticello, did not include them on the menus at his state dinners. The majority of the crop went to feed his cattle and pigs.

Gradually they gained popularity as a dessert when nineteenth century homemakers began to mix the pulp with custards and bake it in a pie shell. But it just never caught on like the apple and was relegated to a seasonal holiday pie, as more and more fruits and vegetables became available, and that all-American apple pie reigned supreme all year long. Once Thanksgiving was pronounced a national holiday in 1863, the traditional dessert made its yearly appearance but still remained somewhat of a regional favorite, primarily in the Midwest, where most pumpkins were grown, as well as the Northeast. Southerners preferred their sweet potato pie variation, and Westerners were late to the party. (At least where pumpkin was concerned.)

After WWII, when Americans took Halloween more seriously, the upsurge of carving pumpkins spawned a new renaissance of the orange gourd. The first Jack-o-lanterns were actually made from potatoes and turnips as part of an old Irish legend to ward off evil spirits. Irish immigrants found the New World pumpkin far superior for carving, and the tradition was born here in the U.S. Over the years, growing contests and carving creativity have soared, as we welcome Autumn with the traditional pumpkin. Visiting the local pumpkin patch is still a highlight for millions of children just before Halloween.

In the 1950s farmers were able to grow hybrids which were better for carving, and others with tasty and firmer flesh for eating. Soon the once-a-year pie filling began to make its way back to dining tables year 'round and expand its repertoire to include muffins, breads, scones and even cheesecake. Libby's dominates the pumpkin market, making it readily available in canned form, both plain and ready-to-bake filling. The State of Illinois, which grows and cans approximately 90% of the country's pumpkin, suffered rain damage for several years, but in 2016, they were slowly rebounding with a harvest of 318 million pounds, worth $12 million, still down from previous years of 754 million pounds with 90 million. (Now that's a lot of pie.)

These days we relish our pumpkins. A popular animated special with Charlie Brown of Peanuts fame shows up yearly before the holidays. An old nursery rhyme character used a pumpkin to house his wife (Peter the Pumpkin Eater). Even Cinderella's elegant coach turned into a pumpkin after the ball. And for those of you who are still back in the music of the 60s, a rock group from Chicago aptly calls themselves The Smashing Pumpkins, presumably after a popular activity late Halloween night. (Which is unappreciated by residents who have to clean up the next day.)

No question, Americans secured their love affair with the pumpkin decades ago, with no end in sight. But even if you can find a version of pumpkin beer, you might want to take a pass.

Though author Dale Phillip confesses pumpkin pie is not on her hit parade, she adores this wonderful squash in almost every other form (go figure): muffins,bread, scones, soup and holiday decorations. Her homemade pumpkin bread with cream cheese is a big hit with those lucky enough to get some. She fondly remembers her yearly outing with her father in search of the best and biggest one for carving. Growing up in Illinois, the selection was endless and scooping out the seeds and getting just the right face was the highlight of a Saturday afternoon. She invites you to view her many articles on the history of Food and Drink, and her blog: http://myfriendlyu.blogspot.com/

Article Source: Those Great Pumpkins

The Different Kinds of General Surgeries Offered at Hospitals

The Different Kinds of General Surgeries Offered at Hospitals

By Shalini Madhav

General surgery is a specialty, which focuses on different abdominal contents like the bile ducts, the appendix, the gallbladder, the pancreas, liver, colon, small bowel, stomach, and esophagus. Most times, it involves the thyroid gland, but this mainly depends on the referral patterns. General surgery also deals with different diseases that affect hernias, peripheral vascular surgery, trauma, soft tissue, breast, as well as skin. Procedures like colonoscopy and gastroscopy are also included here.

The scope

Trauma surgery

In many locations, the responsibility for trauma care usually falls under general surgery. There are surgeons who obtain more training to offer critical care. The general surgeons should be in a position to handle all sorts of surgical emergencies. They are often called so as to handle patients who are injured critically or those that are very ill. They are required to perform different procedures so as to stabilize the patients. They should be able to do thoracotomy, emergency laparotomy, compartment fasciotomies, cricothyroidotomy, and thoracostomy so as to staunch any bleeding. These are the people you will find in trauma or surgical intensive care units.

This area also covers emergency surgery like organ perforations, bowel obstructions, infections, and bleeding. Gallbladder removal is one of the surgical procedures that are very common all over the world. It has to be done electively. However, the gallbladder is at risk of being inflamed acutely and may require one to get an emergency operation. Other common emergencies include small bowel obstructions, rupture of the appendix, and infections in the appendix.

Laparoscopic surgery

This is a specialty that is new. It mainly deals with techniques for access where cameras, as well as small instruments, are inserted through small incisions. A lot is evolving from the concept such as robotic surgery. Colons, appendices, and gallbladders can actually be removed by application of the technique. Hernias can be repaired using the method. It is possible to perform bariatric surgery in this way and there are many benefits that are associated with this. They include the reduction of complications of surgical wounds, especially in the obese patients. It is important that the general surgeons be well trained in the area and proficient too.

Colorectal surgery

General surgery also deals with lots of minor and major rectal and colon diseases. This includes the inflammatory bowel diseases like Cohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Others are hemorrhoids, gastrointestinal bleeding, treat cancer, colon cancer, and diverticulitis.

Breast surgery

General surgery also handles lots of breast surgery that is non-cosmetic. This includes mastectomy all the way to lumpectomy. This usually pertains to the diagnosis, the evaluation and the treatment of cancer.

Vascular surgery

Vascular surgery is also a specialty of general surgery. However, for this one needs to have special training in the area. This area is usually handled by specialists. Most of the times, the general surgeons can actually handle the minor disorders.

There are many other areas covered by general surgery. These areas include endocrine surgery, transplant surgery, surgical oncologists, cardiothoracic surgery, pediatric surgery, and so on. Minimally invasive surgery has become prevalent in the present day. Robotic surgery has come with a lot of enthusiasm even though it is very costly.

  Dallas surgical center offers all-round medical treatment including general surgery. There is a team of medical experts who are trained and capable of handling different surgical procedures. Visit   https://pinecreekmedicalcenter.com/ for more information.

Article Source: The Different Kinds of General Surgeries Offered at Hospitals

We Have to Safeguard the Health and Well Being of Future Generations

We Have to Safeguard the Health and Well Being of Future Generations

By Kate Kaya

In US there are government recognized agencies which certify the ecosystem safe buildings. Such certified buildings normally use up to 40% less energy compared to the accepted buildings. Keeping this concept in mind how best we can intend our future dream home is extremely considerable. The sustain-ability of this earth with the present reckless advancement is causing concern.

So the people are looking for ecosystem friendly homes. This is typically known as natural living under natural buildings. When we adopt this attitude we can feel comfortable that we are in our own process adding less to the future damages to the earth.

To come to a decision about the ecosystem friendly homes, you have to first assess yourself about your life style and your future requirements. If you are a person who is obtained to live under a roof where you are require a cool ecosystem during summers and lot of heat during peak winter, then you will have to select those ecosystem friendly materials which have good insulation in winters and maintain an extremely cool ecosystem during summers. With the right combination of construction materials which are ecosystem friendly you can go about without consuming excess power.

However if you are not still comfortable, you can have the option of going for solar energy. These solar panels will take care of your fancy gadgets almost free of cost. It is also probable that if the power generated from your solar panels are not fully utilized you have got the option of giving back to the power grid. They accept this gesture with gratitude and even pay for it.

Going natural in food production also is catching up. Prepare yourself for growing whatever probable vegetable in your back yard in organic instructions, with even so little space you might have. This will reduce your grocery bill and also it will give you physical exercise on tending the vegetable garden.

When you renovate the cleaning materials and other ingredients you use, you are inflicting to some extent dent to the ecosystem. You have to be selective in going for the cleaning materials which are not harming the ecosystem.

Similarly, when you do the foundation work for your buildings you will be turning out several soil. You have to make in no doubt to put slit traps to circumvent the run off towards the streams and lakes. The slit can erect the clean waters into a mess of slush and choke the living organisms there. When the construction is over, the planting of grass and other seasonal vegetation will control the excess runoff of the slit.

If you browse the net you will find details about several companies which are doing natural friendly projects. Study them and act upon them for your own survival.

To read more about Green and Eco-Friendly Living please visit our website http://homevgarden.com

Article Source: We Have to Safeguard the Health and Well Being of Future Generations

Relationships: Can Someone's Unmet Childhood Needs Cause Them To Expect Too Much From Others?

Relationships: Can Someone's Unmet Childhood Needs Cause Them To Expect Too Much From Others?

By Oliver JR Cooper

Before one gets into a relationship, they can have a rough idea about the kind of person who they want to be with. Along with this, there can be what they expect to receive when they are with them.

If this is the case, there can be what they would like someone to look like and there can be how they would like to be treated by them. One might be willing to change their mind when it comes to the former, but this might not be an option when it comes to the latter.

The Priority

Now, this is not to say that they will be happy to end up with someone who they are not physically attracted to; what it means is that this is not going to be something that is fixed. For example, they might want to be with someone who has brown hair, but it doesn't mean that they won't go with someone who has blond.

When it comes to what they expect in a relationship, this could be something that is non-negotiable. If one was to think about what they expect, they could say that they want to be with someone who is: respectful, compassionate, empathetic, affectionate, generous, intimate and considerate.

A Realistic List

It is then not going to be as though they expect too much from another person, and one might not expect another person to behave in this way all the time. They might believe that this is not possible; the other person is going to be human, after all.

One could realise that it is not going to be possible for them to always behave in this manner, let alone another person. Through having this understanding, it will make it easier for them to handle the moments when these expectations are not met.

Down To Earth

In other words, one will be aware of the fact that they have their own needs and so do other people. This will be why another person won't always be able to be there for them and to behave exactly how they would like them to.

Therefore, the level of understanding that one would show their partner when they can't be there for them will be no different to how one will expect their partner to behave. There is the chance that one has been in a relationship like this in the past, or they might not have been with someone like this before.

Time for a Change

If one hasn't been in a relationship like before, they may have got to the point where they could no longer put up with the kind of relationships that they were having. The pain that they experienced might have caused them to take a step back and to reflect, and they may have read different articles and books on relationships.

This may have been a time when they worked with a therapist or a healer, which may have allowed them to look into and work through what was taking place within them. Thus, one will soon be able to find out how effective this work has been.

Another Scenario

However, while this is the kind of approach that some people will have when it comes to finding someone to be with, there are others who have another approach entirely. Here, one can simply have the desire to be with someone, or they can have a long list of expectations.

If they just want to be with someone, they might not even be aware of what their expectations are. They are not going to want to be by themselves, so just about anyone might do.

High Expectations

When one has a long list of expectations, it is likely to mean that they will expect another person to do a lot for them. One might not even have taken the time to think about whether their expectations are realistic or not.

And if they were to look back on what their relationships have been like in this past, they may see that they haven't worked out well. Even so, these experiences won't have caused them to step back and to reflect on their own behaviour.

Destined to Fail

So, whether one just wants to be with someone or if they have a long list, they could still experience the same outcome. Once they are in a relationship, it might only be a matter of time before they start to feel frustrated and let down.

At this point, they could start to blame their partner, and they might even believe that they need to find someone else to be with. It is then not that they expect too much; it is that their partner is not right for them.

A Closer Look

What this could show is that one expects their partner to spend all their free time with them, to make them happy, to accept everything about them, and to make them the centre of their world, amongst other things. It could then be said that these are the kinds of needs that a child has.

As a child is dependent on their caregivers, it is going to be normal for them to have the above expectations. But when one is an adult and they are in a relationship with another adult, it is going to be impossible for them to be treated in this manner.

Emotionally Stuck

If one has these needs and they expect another adult to fulfil them, it can be a sign that these needs were not met on a consistent basis when they were younger. One is then looking for what they didn't receive as a child.

For as long as one expects another person to fulfil these needs, they will suffer in one way or another. One will need to get in touch with how they feel and to work through this pain and, as this takes place, they will no longer expect so much.

Awareness

If one can relate to this, and they want to change their life, it might be a good idea for them to reach out for external support. This is something that can be provided by a therapist or a healer.

Prolific writer, author, and coach, Oliver JR Cooper, hails from England. His insightful commentary and analysis covers all aspects of human transformation, including love, partnership, self-love, and inner awareness. With over one thousand six hundred in-depth articles highlighting human psychology and behaviour, Oliver offers hope along with his sound advice.

To find out more go to - http://www.oliverjrcooper.co.uk/

Feel free to join the Facebook Group -
   https://www.facebook.com/OliverJRCooper

Article Source: Relationships: Can Someone's Unmet Childhood Needs Cause Them To Expect Too Much From Others?

Critical Thinking: Does A Woman Need To Seek Professional Help If She Believes That All Men Are Bad?

Critical Thinking: Does A Woman Need To Seek Professional Help If She Believes That All Men Are Bad?

By Oliver JR Cooper

In today's world, it appears to be perfectly acceptable for a woman in the public eye to bash men. She can say all kinds of things that will basically amount to men being less-than human and worthless, and absolutely nothing will be done.

Now, that's not to say that both men and women won't complain about this; what it means is that this kind of behaviour is tolerated by the media and the education system, for instance. If a man viewed women in the same way, there is a strong chance that he wouldn't be given a platform.

One Big Illusion

One of the things that a woman like this is likely to come out with is that all women are oppressed and all men are oppressive. Without even thinking critically or looking at the facts, the fact that a handful of women are allowed to portray men in this way and get away with it and the same 'privilege' is not available to men surely proves otherwise.

It could then be said that women have the freedom to express themselves, whilst men don't, at least in the western world. Therefore, woman have the ability to say more of less whatever they want, and there are bound to be thousands of women in other parts of the world who are actually oppressed, who would do anything to be able to speak their mind.

Pampered Children

Consequently, while a woman like this can talk about how bad she and other women have it in the west, perhaps their outlook would soon change if they were to travel around the world. This is then similar to a child who complains that they only have one bar of chocolate, when there are millions of children who have never had a piece of chocolate, let alone a bar.

But due to how old the child is and the fact that their brain is still developing, it could be said that this kind of behaviour is excusable. However, when a grown woman behaves like an entitled child - and she has been given a platform - it is going to be a lot harder for some people to tolerate this kind of behaviour.

An Identity

The trouble is that when a woman has a big platform, and her life revolves around bashing men and talking about how oppressed women are, there is going to be no reason for her to change. There will be the criticism that she receives, of course, but there will also be the attention, approval and the resources that are given to her.

So, in the same way that someone can feel lost when their children leave home or when they retire, for instance, a women like this could really struggle if she was to let go of this identity. Nevertheless, due to how she feels and the thoughts that she has, along with her day-to-day experiences, there is going to be no reason for her to change.

The Truth

The kind of experiences that she has with men and what she sees online will back up what she believes. Her experiences can be seen as a sign that what she believes is the truth, as opposed to the fact that her beliefs are defining what she sees.

She is then nothing more than an observer of her reality and plays no part in how she experiences life. With this is mind, it is going to be perfectly normal for her to try to change the world and to make it a better place for women; her need to save women is just an indirect way for her to try to save herself.

One Focus

Ultimately, her mind (like everyone else's mind) is constantly looking for evidence that supports what she believes, and this will cause her to block out anything that goes against what she believes. Thus, her eyes are only going to allow her to see what her mind wants her to see.

If a woman like this had very little power it wouldn't be a problem, but the fact that a woman like this can often be found in politics and in the media, for instance, means that they have the ability to disseminate their inner poison far and wide. Due to their own lack of boundaries and the ability to own their own issues, they will try to control others.

The Perfect Arena

The political realm is going to be extremely appealing to woman who feels powerless and is unable to control herself. Her lack of inner control results in her need to control what other people can or can't do.

Experiencing a sense of control is then going to come at the expense of other people's freedom. Taking all this into account, the world doesn't need more people who become part of a movement; what it needs is more people who take responsibility for their own issues.

Self-Awareness

In order for a woman to realise that not all men are the same, it is going to be necessary for her to change what is going on within her. This means that the external world doesn't need to change; the only thing that needs to change is her inner world.

If her vision is blurred, it will be clear to her that she needs to look at her eye and not to clean what is going on externally. But while this is clear, what won't be clear is that trying to change men won't allow her change what is going on within her.

Personal Responsibility

There is the chance that there have been moments in her life that had a big impact on her, and what happened with a few men (or one man) would have been seen as a sign of what all men were like. Perhaps she was abused by her father or another male figure while she was a child.

This would have been extremely traumatising and, while the years will have passed, what took place all those years ago will still define how she perceives men. At this time, she would have been a victim, but now that she is an adult, the roles have reversed and she is trying to victimise all men.

Conclusion

When it comes to working through this pain and trauma, it is unlikely that she will be able to do it by herself. If she could, there would be no reason for her to avoid this pain and to seek indirect revenge by trying to harm all men for what a few men (or one man) did to her as a child.

This is why the assistance of a therapist or healer will probably be needed her. Through working through her own issues, it will allow her to see that while some men are bad, there are others who are not, and this will allow her to open her heart once again.

Prolific writer, author, and coach, Oliver JR Cooper, hails from England. His insightful commentary and analysis covers all aspects of human transformation, including love, partnership, self-love, and inner awareness. With over one thousand six hundred in-depth articles highlighting human psychology and behaviour, Oliver offers hope along with his sound advice.

To find out more go to - http://www.oliverjrcooper.co.uk/

Feel free to join the Facebook Group -
   https://www.facebook.com/OliverJRCooper

Article Source: Critical Thinking: Does A Woman Need To Seek Professional Help If She Believes That All Men Are Bad?

I Was Full Of Self-Doubt

I Was Full Of Self-Doubt

By Oliver JR Cooper

Before I started writing articles, I had been on the path for around seven years. During this time, I had put a lot of effort into trying to understand myself and why my life was the way it was.

So, when I started writing, it wasn't as though I just woke up one day and thought that I would write about psychology. Ultimately, it was the result of the conclusions that I had come to over the years.

Inner Conflict

I believed that I had something to offer, and this was what allowed me to take the next step; to get what was taking place in my mind down onto paper, or onto word document and then out into the world. But while part of me had this outlook, another part of me didn't believe that I had anything to offer.

This other part of me saw me as someone who did know what he was talking about and believed that other people would have the same view. There was also the fact that I didn't have a degree in psychology.

Positive Feedback

It didn't take long before I started to receive positive comments from people and a number of people who I knew were amazed by what I had written. These were the people who wondered where all this came from.

What these people were reading was no different to the kinds of things that I had been thinking about for quite some time. The only thing that had changed was that I started to share my views with the world.

One Direction

I wasn't going to let my self-doubt completely hold me back, which meant that I went over as much information as I could. It had been this same self-doubt that had played a big part in why I had put in so much work to begin with.

And while it was good to receive positive feedback, I didn't enjoy receiving negative feedback. Having my work criticised was not the problem per se; what was the problem was what this would trigger within me.

Emotionally Overwhelmed

It didn't matter that a big part of me believed in what I was doing, that I studied hard, and that I had received a lot of good feedback, as I would fall right down. The reason for this was that being criticised would bring up how I felt when I was put down as a child.

This was a time in my life when I would be put down by my mother and undermined on a regular basis. I believed that I was worthless and that I was unable to do just about anything right.

Open Minded

The part of me that was affected when someone didn't agree with me was happy to hear about their views. By having so much doubt, it allowed me to keep an open mind; thereby, I didn't believe that I knew everything or that I was always right.

I could have gone to the other extreme, of course, and believed that I knew everything and that I was always right. This would have protected my fragile ego, but it wouldn't have allowed me to grow.

A New Outlook

When I was full of so much self-doubt, I often thought about what it would be like to remove it all; this seemed like a great idea and the only alternative that was available. However, as time went by and I became more secure within myself, I came to see that this wouldn't be a lot better.

It might make me feel good about myself, but it would cause me to have a closed mind, and this would stop me from being able to take in new information and it would push people away. I would be deluded and there would be no way for me to change my life.

Prolific writer, author, and coach, Oliver JR Cooper, hails from England. His insightful commentary and analysis covers all aspects of human transformation, including love, partnership, self-love, and inner awareness. With over one thousand six hundred in-depth articles highlighting human psychology and behaviour, Oliver offers hope along with his sound advice.

To find out more go to - http://www.oliverjrcooper.co.uk/

Feel free to join the Facebook Group -
   https://www.facebook.com/OliverJRCooper

Article Source: I Was Full Of Self-Doubt

What Can You Do With Pepper Jelly?

What Can You Do With Pepper Jelly?

By Amanda J Hales

How would you like a nice bowl of creamy ice cream topped with pepper jelly? What? Wait! Pepper jelly on ice cream? Why, yes, as it gives you a sweet-heat treat neatly atop that cool and creamy dessert. Why go for chocolate sauce when you can try pepper jelly that comes in a vast array of flavours and gives most things a kick?

Zesty, sweet, heat--that's what pepper jelly brings to the table, or the grill, or the frozen treats, or the finger foods, or the dips, or, well, you get the idea.

Obviously the first thoughts about how to use pepper jelly will be all the ways you use regular jelly. Toast, bagels, peanut butter sandwiches, on crackers, on Melba toast, the list goes on and on. But this condiment isn't limited to breakfast anymore. Since it's not a new idea, people have had the time to experiment and come up with many, many uses for the stuff and they didn't stop at breakfast, not by a long shot!

People have been mixing it into drinks like margaritas and daiquiri's as it kicks the flavour up a notch, giving that iced drink a hint of heat that makes it all the more delicious. It's also been used as a marinade or a glaze for meat that is about to be grilled. This gives a fruity heat flavour to meat and is especially good on pulled pork or chicken, just for a variety of taste.

And since it's being used as a topping for ice cream, it was only a matter of time before someone decided to add it to frozen treats that are made at home. Simply mix in with your juice of choice and viola, you have an interesting tasting frozen treat to enjoy by the pool.

Meat isn't the only thing to benefit from a glaze of pepper jelly at the next BBQ though, as it's being used as a glaze for vegetables too. With so many flavours available, you can have a different veggie pepper jelly combination every day! Hot wings, candied bacon and caramelized carrots all get a little bit better when you add this super versatile condiment.

If you haven't tried pepper jelly yet, what are you waiting for? With so many varieties you're sure to find one or two perfect for you and your family, perhaps you'll even come up with a new and exciting way to use it in a dish no one has thought of before!  http://www.texaspepperjelly.comoffers a vast array of jellies, rib candy, BBQ sauces and BBQ injections. When you want to kick your BBQ up a notch or two, you'll want to check us out!

Article Source:  What Can You Do With Pepper Jelly?

The One and Only Pepper Jelly

The One and Only Pepper Jelly

By Amanda J Hales

Remember when jam and jelly used to be sweet? It was, and still is made with fruits and people have come up with interesting combinations to put together in order for us to have a vast variety. Jelly is something most of us have had at one time or another, it's great on toast, it is a key ingredient in peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and it is a sweet treat any time of day or night.

So what is the deal with pepper jelly? It is perhaps a step up in the condiment ideal, it takes something that is traditionally sweet and kicks it up a notch with the heat of the pepper. Mixing things together is always fun, though it doesn't always end up tasting good, but with this combination, they hit upon a real winner. People love their sweet tastes and they love their heat so it was only natural that somewhere along the line someone decided to try them together.

Pepper jelly has been a popular condiment for decades now, and like with most things, people have come up with interesting ways to use it. Yes, it can be used like regular jelly on things like toast and sandwiches, and it can also be used on things like meat as a marinade of sorts, in dips and as a topping for anything from a bagel to ice cream.

It comes in a wide array of flavours, each with a definite kick of heat, though it's not what you'd call spicy or too hot to handle. Instead the flavours are infused together to create something that is just that little bit more special than regular old jelly. Use it combined with cream cheese to create that perfect bagel, or try it in a chip dip to give that little fruity taste to your newest party creations-- who ever said dip had to be savoury?

For another idea, spread the pepper jelly on your meat before you grill. It doubles as a rub and a marinade if you water it down a bit (with juice to maintain the fruitiness) and it will give your meat just a taste of sweet mixed with heat, a combination that no one can refuse and just another way to get pepper jelly into your routine.

From a sweet start, jelly sure has taken off and today can be found in many flavours and combinations. What are you waiting for?

Texas Pepper Jelly offers a vast array of pepper jelly, rib candy, BBQ sauces and BBQ injections. When you want to kick your next BBQ up a notch or two, you want http://www.texaspepperjelly.com!

Article Source: The One and Only Pepper Jelly

What Is Your Word for 2018?

What Is Your Word for 2018?

By Chris Atley

A few weeks ago one of my teachers asked me what my word was for this year, and to be honest I was having a little trouble with it. I kept thinking the word slow. To slow things down. To truly tune into what I was saying both yes and no too. It didn't quite "feel" right though. She asked me what feeling I wanted the word slow to bring. Bingo! That was the missing link. The feeling I want with slowing down is inner peace. And thus inner peace is my word - my defiant side secretly loves that it's actually two words because who made up the rule that it has to be one anyway?!

So my commitment to myself is to have more inner peace in 2018. We went on to think about what thoughts, words, actions and habits do I need to have in order to create more of this feeling.

This is what I came up with, and I share this with you because I believe it will help you create yours too

I should preface that this process first involves looking at what is taking away from having more inner peace. I then created the following:

1. Only saying yes to projects and social activities (I love to have fun but it comes with a price sometimes) that are in line with my values. Knowing your top 5 values are key here AND ranking them helps too. This one is easy to check in on too each week. Being consciously aware in the moment on how you're making decisions is the ideal goal, and looking back objectively each week in the meantime to get a gauge on how you did will help you get there.

2. Saying no to projects and activities that do not honour my soul. Similar to (1.) but it's about saying no,. This involves continuing to work on being okay with saying no. I have been working on this one for years and it still pops up. I find the more off balance I am with self-care, the more this one presents itself as a problem.

3. Saying no to myself! My ego self wants me to cram up every moment of every day and it just doesn't serve me. And not with self-care activities I might add. More about the never ending "to do" list.

4. Engaging in one extra self-care activity a day that is outside of my morning success routine and exercising. This alone has already made a world of difference.

5. Asking for more help. I have upped my support with my business team and also my home support. I now continually check in on whether or not someone else can do what I'm doing, and then delegating it if they can! This life takes a village!

6. Meditating with the kids at night. We have been doing this more diligently, and it in turn is creating a much more peaceful environment with them in the evenings.

7. Cut myself a big break and lose the judgement! Insert life long lesson here. When I listen to my ego, I tend to be very black and white, and extra hard on myself. This one is about letting go of my own rules when I feel like it, like 1. Sometimes I may veer outside of my "values" lane and that's okay too. It's designed for a reason, but I might want to get a little crazy now and then and go off roading.

8. Last but not least, and definitely the most important, is tuning into my heart daily. Really listening in every moment on what the best course of action (or non-action is) and staying true to that. Our hearts and souls are wise, and know what we need every step of the way.

Some of these are tangible and easy to check in on in terms of habits, and some more difficult. The tangible action steps help keep the intangible ones running more smoothly. Learning to "let go" in the moment and tuning into our hearts instead is super powerful and both can be measured by looking back at the past week and / or month to see how we did and how we can improve. All with curiosity and non-judgement of course.

With Love,

Chris xo

Article Source:  What Is Your Word for 2018?

I Wanted To Convert People

I Wanted To Convert People

By Oliver JR Cooper

After I had been into self-development for a few years, in the middle of 2005, I learnt about the effect that our thoughts, emotions and beliefs have on how we experience life. I think the first time I had heard about his was when I read 'The Power of the Subconscious Mind', by Joseph Murphy.

Shortly after this, I read a number of books by Dr Robert Anthony, followed by a CD program called 'The Secret of Deliberate Creation'. I was amazed by what I heard and wanted to tell other people about it.

Inner Conflict

Nevertheless, while part of me felt energised by what I was reading and listening to, another part of me was full of doubt. This was a time in my life when I felt powerless and as though I couldn't do anything to change my life.

So, although part of me wanted to believe that I actually had an effect on my life and that I wasn't a victim, another part of me just wasn't having it. And the part of me that didn't believe this was the part that was the strongest.

The Source

It could be said that it was my unconscious mind that wasn't on board with this idea; whereas my conscious mind was. This meant that there was a lot for resistance, but this other part of me wasn't willing to give up

During this time, I learnt how important it was for me to observe my thoughts and to be careful what I think about. Along with all the effort that I was putting in to train my mind, I felt the need to share what I was learning with others.

One Focus

I felt as though I had to share what I as learning, and that it wouldn't be right for me to keep this to myself. After all, I believed that I was learning about something that was extremely powerful.

Therefore, I believed that if I held back and didn't say anything, it would have been similar to me having a cure for a disease and not sharing it with the world. To be more precise, that's how I saw it at the time.

A Different Outlook

I would talk about this stuff to my family, friends, and anyone who would listen, and in a lot of cases, it wouldn't go down well. The fact that my life wasn't completely in order was often seen as a sign that this was a load of rubbish; if it wasn't, surely my life would be perfect!?

It became clear that a lot of people had closed minds and that they would rather struggle than try another way - a way that might allow them to change their reality. These experiences had a negative effect on me, though, as I wanted them to believe in what I was telling them.

A Hidden Agenda

What this came down to is that not only did I want to have a positive effect on other people; I also wanted other people to agree with me, so that I could silence my own doubt. I thought that if they believed what I was saying, it would make it easier for me to believe it.

The problem was that this rarely happened, as these people would often mirror back my own self-doubt. I remember listening to Dov Baron around this time, this was someone who spoke about the 'law of resonance, and he said that the best way to show other people was to demonstrate it - to live it and not just talk about it.

I Gradually Got the Message

I came to see that I had the wrong approach, and that it would be far better for me to focus on applying this stuff in my own life and to only bring it up when it was clear that someone would be interested. Through doing this, I would be far more respectful of other people's boundaries.

I thought about the people who I would often hear in a populated area who tried to convert people to a certain religion, and this was not how I wanted to be. I came to see that the less doubt I had, the less I felt the need to convince anyone.

Prolific writer, author, and coach, Oliver JR Cooper, hails from England. His insightful commentary and analysis covers all aspects of human transformation, including love, partnership, self-love, and inner awareness. With over one thousand six hundred in-depth articles highlighting human psychology and behaviour, Oliver offers hope along with his sound advice.

To find out more go to - http://www.oliverjrcooper.co.uk/

Feel free to join the Facebook Group -
   https://www.facebook.com/OliverJRCooper

Article Source: I Wanted To Convert People

Tips to Help You Get Awesome

Tips to Help You Get Awesome

By Brendan Dillard

An "issue" that I have run into a few times is that some people are asking how they could possibly become better at their respective art forms. While the clich� "practice makes perfect" is sufficient enough for me, it is probably not nearly sufficient enough for you. And you all are awesome for that because if you made me ponder on how I chose to further my craft and how other chose to further theirs. So have no fear. I am here to clean the tears with "Tips to Help You Get Awesome"

1. Practice.
Yes this is obvious I know. But it is kind of one of those things that is so obvious it gets forgotten. And I am not talking about passive practicing. I mean there is a certain area in which you should choose the master and focus on it until you feel there is nothing left for you to learn in that area (However, that is a trick statement. YOU NEVER STOP LEARNING). If you are a photographer and you feel like you are not that good at determining great lighting situations, go out and find out where you need help. Maybe you are working on painting portraits, but your blending skills are lackluster and makes everything look flat. Well that means it is time to blend, blend, blend, blend until you can not blend anymore.

2. Study.
Now most of our art forms have been around since the beginning of time. So there is nothing that you would want to do that has not been done already. Do not think that this is a bad thing. This is actually and amazing thing and for one reason. You get to study from those who have perfected the very thing you are attempting to master yourself. Locking yourself into believing that you are the only one that can help you succeed in life is a failure waiting to happen. Just like students use textbooks to learn various subjects, you can use books to further your art. And it also may not need to be a book. There may be a certain style that you are into. You could research individuals who are famous in that area and study their work. You can study what makes it great and revered. Now while some may think that this will limit originality and encourage imitation, I see it differently. While, yes, you will probably imitate the art work in the beginning, with repetition and practice (See No. 1 ) you will begin to develop your own style that is solely unique to you and only you.

3. Be open to criticism
Now this is something I personally struggled with and I know you probably struggle with it as well. Criticism. We all just love it don't we?! No we do not. No one wants to sit back and listen to someone who does not know a thing about your passion, your vision, or your overall effort and tell you how to improve on what you believe is utter perfection. At its worse, that is what criticism is. There are some individuals out there who disguise hate, disgust, and contempt as constructive criticism. When in reality they just like feeling superior to others any chance they get. Now actual constructive criticism is different. It does not feel like your final judgement and nor should it feel that way. It is a conversation on how and why certain things are the way they are and how they can be improved or changed for the better. For example, I always had issues in my younger days making objects appear too flat. My uncle, the artist extraordinaire, would sit and we would analyze objects together to make sure I was noticing the difference in positioning. That is constructive. That is advice I can use to be better. So I want you to allow the right kind of criticism in and block all of the unnecessary noise.

4. Be Confident.
Now this is easier said than done. It is one of those things that a person can not definitively measure and can truly fluctuate on a day to day basis. One day you create something amazing. And you just feel like this is truly what you were meant to do with your life. The next day you create something that you think is just utter garbage. You immediately throw it in your trash and start to contemplate and new life where art is not involved. Maybe you've already started a job application to Pizza Hut in anticipation of your new life direction (That Pizza Hut thing hit close to home). But don't fret my friendlies. Your wavering confidence is normal and feeling down some days is actually good. That means you truly care about what you are doing. The key is to be aware of these emotions and notice what causes them to arise. Confidence is not believing that everything you do is amazing. It is knowing that every creation will not be a masterpiece but knowing you can easily try it again and make it better and better until you are truly satisfied.

Well that is it guys. That is all the advice I have for you at this moment. Truly you probably already knew most of this, but I think it is a good thing to give some a reminder every once in a while. Most of this is based on personal experience as I continued to create as I got older and older. I think as a young creator, you pressure yourself to be great right away cause you feel like those around you are already there. Realizing that everyone is different is a good thing. So if you have anything else that you feel like I could address then by all means feel free to contact me and let me know your question.

Thank you all!

Article Source:  Tips to Help You Get Awesome

Elected Officials Should Prioritize The COMMON Good

Elected Officials Should Prioritize The COMMON Good

By Richard Brody

Wouldn't a so - called, representative democracy, such as we supposedly have, in the United States of America, be better served, if our elected officials, prioritized the needs, goals, priorities, perceptions, and objectives of the electorate, rather than their own personal agenda, politics, and/ or self - interest? Perhaps, it's the system, where many, in this country, fail to exercise their right to vote, nor even consider it their responsibility! Maybe, these politicians feel, either, entitled, emboldened, or believe, they can pull the proverbial, wool, over our eyes, and get away with their behavior, without ramifications! Shouldn't our representatives/ elected officials, focus, consistently, on the COMMON good, in order to serve the nation's best interests? With that in mind, this article will briefly, attempt, to review, consider, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means, and why it's both, relevant and significant.

1. Creative; character: Let's demand, we are represented by individuals, who seek creative, relevant solutions, rather than politics, as usual! If elected officials, possessed the quality of character, which might make a difference, for the better, American citizens would be served, far more effectively, etc! Look at our members of Congress, and present President, and consider, if they are prioritizing our needs and best interests, or there's?

2. Options; objectives: Why do we, so rarely, witness, meaningful options, even being seriously explored, by the people, we vote for? Is it because, everything is working, as well as possible, or because, their objectives, are not based on what's best for us, and/ or the country, but rather what's expedient, or politically popular? Shouldn't the common good, require the pursuit of the best ways, and best interests, rather than over - relying, on empty rhetoric, and/ or promises?

3. Make mark: Examine how those we elect to public office, and whether, they are individuals, who will make their mark, for the better, and best interests, of the common good! If this was our focus and direction, we would focus on what's needed and necessary, than, merely, populist, etc!

4. Motivate: What is their true motivation, and do they inspire and motivate others, to prioritize the American freedoms, this nation, has represented to the rest of the world? Only when their motives are to make us better, rather than promoting their personal agenda and/ or self - interests, will the common good, become the priority!

5. Overcome obstacles: There will always be obstacles, and when these are treated as challenges, to overcome, rather than as problems, we all become better, and more relevant. Always consider how a public official, handles these incidents, and whether, they seek viable solutions, or merely, resort to constantly blaming and complaining, for political purposes!

6. Needs; never say no: Elect individuals who never say, no, to the possibilities, and the right course, which stresses and emphasizes enrichment, and American freedoms! Leaders must focus on needs, and prioritize the right, best course of action, rather than, merely, the populist ones!

Wake up America, and demand, our leaders emphasize protecting and enhancing our American freedoms, liberties, and rights! Participatory government, means making those in leadership positions, serve and represent/ protect, our freedoms, etc!

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development seminars, and worked on political campaigns, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. Website: http://plan2lead.net and LIKE the Facebook page for common sense politics: http://facebook.com/commonsense4all

Article Source: Elected Officials Should Prioritize The COMMON Good

Generosity Is Like A Breath Of Fresh Air

Generosity Is Like A Breath Of Fresh Air

By Anne O'Dwyer

You don't realize how generous people are until you are in trouble. Yesterday afternoon I called into the local supermarket, but on returning to my car disaster struck. My key stuck in the door lock and wouldn't budge! My phone was at home and the spare key I hadn't seen since the car was serviced, so I had no idea where it was!

So stranded in the car park with no phone and a car that was going nowhere - with a bunch of keys hanging from the door, 6 miles from home! To the rescue, a man with a van gave me a can of lubricant, the security man and trolley man tried to help and they eventually saw an AA van arrive. He had called in to do his shopping on the way home!

So I now have a years AA membership. The AA man removed the lock and I got home safely. Today a neighbour compared keys, (I found the spare), and decided it was the key that was worn not the lock, so now I have purchased a new spare key and he will refit the lock barrel in the door.

Meanwhile today the man from the key-cutting kiosk took the chip out of the old key to save me �35 and fitted it into the key he cut. So I have seen at first-hand kind deeds from 6 people, they all tried to help me resolve my disaster. It gives you a warm feeling when people freely try to help. Oh I all most forgot to mention a little boy who tried to offer many er.. helpful comments!

Recently I read a story of how a homeless man, in America I believe, had spent his last coins on petrol which he walked to fetch for a girl who broke down along an isolated highway. She was so grateful she set up crowd funding to raise money to help him. The public responded generously and thousands of pounds poured in to the charity she had set up.

So with all to-days bad news it is great to find stories of kindness and generosity.

Have You read:

"Ask for the Moon and Get It! By Percy Ross a philanthropist, now dead, but in his life-time he gave away over 100 bikes to deserving children and much more. You will find an interesting article on Google under his name, or of course you could read his book. He began his life in poverty. It tells how at six he began selling eggs to neighbours, a very touching story.

So hoping all this kindness makes you feel good too!

Hello My name is Anne

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Article Source:  Generosity Is Like A Breath Of Fresh Air

Don't Do The Tasks You Hate

Don't Do The Tasks You Hate

By Jon Allo

One way to get stop putting off the tasks you know have to be done in your online business, but can't face doing them, is to simply outsource them. It will also make your business more productive.

Most digital marketing and online business tasks can be outsourced today. So, the first clue you have that you should outsource something is when you hate doing it yourself.

But there is more to outsourcing than that.

Does It Make Sense On A Financial Basis?

Often the tasks you dislike doing are regarded (at least by you) to be basic tasks. This may include publishing blog posts, data entry, publishing to social media, and so on. These are tasks that are perfect for outsourcing because they're uninteresting to you and most probably you can earn more revenue by outsourcing it and concentrating on your main money maker.

Are You Qualified To Do It?

Some of the tasks you hate doing are probably because you're not very good at doing them. And, as a business owner you don't have to be good at doing everything. This doesn't mean you're lacking in business skills. It just means that you can't do a very good job doing something you weren't properly trained to do.

A good example is creating graphics or website building. If this isn't the primary purpose of your business, then it probably takes you ten times as long to do it and the final result will not be as good if it is completed by someone skilled in that area.

You Would Rather Be Playing Golf (or Fishing, etc... )

Sometimes you hate doing a task because it's taking away from the things you really want to do. When your business gets to a particular level, it is practical to start outsourcing various jobs so that you can do other things you consider fun to do.

Is Outsourcing Right For Your Business?

The general guideline is that if a piece of work is not your main line of work, then outsourcing it is completely fine. The other thing is, if you can outsource it for less than you can earn from the task then you're ahead of the game too. Of course, you want the person you use outsourcing for to do as well, so pick your outsourcers carefully and pay them a fair wage.

In fact, if you're not outsourcing some tasks, you're doing yourself and your business a disservice.

Outsourcing is one of the most cost-efficient ways to grow your business. It's how the biggest and most profitable businesses in the world generate the wealth and freedom their owners enjoy. To learn more about the advantages of outsourcing and where you can find reliable and trusted freelancers, download my free checklist, Getting Started With Outsourcing at    https://jonallo.com/outsource

Article Source:  Don't Do The Tasks You Hate

Use Luggage Tags Smartly With These Simple Tips

Use Luggage Tags Smartly With These Simple Tips

By Naresh Chainani

Do you travel frequently for office or personal reasons? Well, every one of us loves traveling as it gives us the chance to make lasting memories, but the thing we hate the most is carrying luggage on the board. Though, it is important, but what if it gets misplaced? How do you find it in a completely new place out of all the similar design bags? Have you ever experienced something like this before? Well, if no and if you don't even want to face the situation ever, so, you should understand the importance of the luggage tag. Most of the frequent travelers are aware of the product, but those who don't let us clear the confusion. Basically, a luggage tag is a useful travel accessory that every traveler must use.

The simple math behind using this is that, when you go out, a number of people have the similar design, size, and colors of the bags that get interchanged unintentionally, which can be dangerous for you and chances that you'll lose all your belongings. In an order to avoid such situation and to save your time, every frequent traveler should invest in luggage tags. Labeling your luggage may help you identify it easily, but in an order to take its benefits to the fullest you have to follow certain tips mentioned below.

Make sure you include all the necessary details like any phone number or address or flight details (optional), so, the person who got your luggage can contact you easily.

Also, make sure the detail is clear, correct and understandable. But you also have to act smart while putting your details, so, no one can misuse it.

Always use a waterproof luggage tag, so, the details onto it don't get smudged.

Use some customized or personalized tag to identify it easily in the crowd.

Try to use more than one luggage tag on different handles that come in handy when one gets misplaced.

Make sure the luggage tag you are using have non-edgy and not-so-sharp ends, otherwise, it might harm you or anyone with you.

All the above smart tips will help you use a luggage tag for identifying your baggage in crowd while boarding or de-boarding the flight or checking or check-out the hotel. Investing in it doesn't cost you much but lost of your belongings on the board does, so, you should make this investment to keep your luggage safe, secure and searchable.

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Article Source: Use Luggage Tags Smartly With These Simple Tips

The 5 Biggest Differences Between the US and Europe

The 5 Biggest Differences Between the US and Europe

By Timothy Maxwell

So, to the meat and potatoes (arroz y habichuelas in Puerto Rico)! These observations are purely facts (with a little bit of my opinion thrown in) and not listed in any particular order. Thanks for reading this far! I'm sure you'll enjoy the rest. Of course, I have to mention that I did lump Europe, a continent composed of 50ish countries (depending on your political views), into one entity, but I was careful to select things that I have personally seen and experienced in at least a couple different countries in Europe. So, that should count for something, right?

1. Smoking
I remember a time in the US when you would go to a restaurant and they would ask you, "Smoking or non-smoking?" Now, everything is non-smoking. Most public places are smoke-free zones. As a non-smoker, I love this. However, moving to Europe may not have been the wisest place to move for a non-smoker who is bothered by the smell.

The Europeans smoke - in public, at home, or wherever they want. Granted, there are some locations where you'll see a no-smoking sign, but they're few and far between, especially if you want to go out for nightlife. And even if there is no smoking indoors, there are, without fail, at least three smokers sitting right in front of the door of whatever non-smoking establishment. Europe seems to be receiving the "smoking is bad for you" rhetoric and scientific evidence to back it up, just a little bit later than the US. Although, I am aware that France is aggressively tackling the issue and has seen decent results.

2. Driving
I cannot say with any confidence that European drivers are worse than American drivers. I can say that certain driving expectations are different and therefore affect how drivers act. For example, on European highways there are not exits every 12 miles with food and gas options, like in the states. Or, that Americans will pass you on the right side, but this is blasphemy in Europe. Or, that you can turn right on red in America, but this is illegal in Europe. And, my personal/least favorite, there are no highway cops, and any ticket you'll get will come from a (sometimes cleverly hidden) camera on the side of the road that flashes a bright white light of guilt at you, and you get to lament speeding, all the way home.

3. Food
Americans are the undisputed champions of food consumption. Food is cheap and accessible. The grocery store in the states is quite similar to a European grocery store, but just add two more cereal aisles, a full chips-candy-soda aisle, three more health food aisles, remove the wine and beer aisle(s), and voila, the stores are identical.

At restaurants, if you order a large meal in the states, you expect to take home what you didn't finish. In Europe, typically the rations aren't large enough that there will be any food left, but if you request to take the food home you may received some confused stares, and may possibly leave empty handed.

4. Nature Calls
In America, if you gotta go, it is quite easy to find a restroom at a gas station or a public place (excluding New York). In Europe there are several countries that charge you to use the toilets at gas stations and in public places, but there are some others that simply don't even have a toilet to offer. If you are accustomed to not going before you leave the house in the states, when you travel to Europe, I wouldn't recommend taking that chance.

5. Customer Service
We all knew it was coming. Anyone who has been to Europe (or Europeans who have visited the US) knows that most European countries are not known for their stellar customer service (*cough, cough* France & Germany *cough,cough*). Shoot, if you have ever seen a movie or heard someone else talk about their trip to Europe, you probably knew that!

A poor customer service experience in Europe is one of those things that isn't always as bad as it sounds, but it will for sure happen to you at least once; just like in the US! But, the differences are the motives and your recourse. In the US, customer service in restaurants is over-the-top because waiters work for tips. In Europe, they don't, so kissing your butt is not vital to their livelihood. Also, in Europe, there is no Better Business Bureau, so if a bank teller or store owner is rude to you, you just have to suck it up and not shop there anymore.

So, what do you think?
If you visited Europe and the US, what differences have you seen? Am I 100% right or only 99% right?

Thanks for reading!

Do you like to travel and learn about others' culture and language? If so, join me on my adventures as I travel around the world, interacting and immersing myself in new environments.

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Article Source: The 5 Biggest Differences Between the US and Europe

Sights, Sounds and Smells of Winter

Sights, Sounds and Smells of Winter

By Carin G Hansen

Although I am very familiar with winter as a Colorado native, we have had such a mild winter that I had forgotten many of the things I love about the winter season. That is because I was enjoying fall-like temperatures much of the time and thus not fully immersing myself in the things peculiar to the winter season.

A couple of days ago we got our first big snow of this winter season and I remembered what I was missing. So, if you will indulge me, let me share some vignettes that will bring the splendor of winter to our hearts and minds.

The delightful rhythmic sound of a small, flat stone side-tossed across a frozen lake -- whir, bounce, whir, bounce, whir... on an early morning trek

An almost mystical landscape created by dark-figured tree "skeletons" as days light comes to a close.

Small ice fractures snapping and cracking and the dull crunch of fresh powder snow under foot.

Graceful "V" waves formed by an armada of ducks and geese swimming in the icy water. Although this beauty can be seen year-round, it is breathtaking surrounded by snowy lake shores and jagged edges of ice jutting into the open water.

Millions... no! Billions of glistening miniature lights as sunlight hits freshly fallen unspoiled snow

Simmering spiced cider filling the air with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and cloves

Melting snow/water drops refreezing before they reach the ground adding length to already formed icicles in measurements to small to fathom

Turbulent cloud formations that awe and demand a few moments of your time

Miniature marshmallows melting slowly as they sit atop mugs of hot chocolate meant to warm and soothe after a day's play outdoors

Puffs of "snow smoke" rising from mountainsides as wind caresses pine tree boughs until they release their snowy covering

What beauty surrounds us during this winter season! The old adage "take time to stop and smell the roses" isn't just for the seasons of the year that roses are blooming. It is important, even vital to our well-being, to take time to see, hear and smell what God has put right in front of us every day of every season. It only takes time... and that is something we all have.

Carin Hansen has been helping women and men, of all ages, look their best through articles, blogs, books, seminars and workshops for much of her life. Because she interacts with many lives, in very personal ways, she has unique insights into the spiritual struggles both men and women alike face.

As a Christ follower and cancer survivor for over 23 years, Carin is very aware that every day on earth is a gift from God - not to be wasted. Check out Carin's blog at for spiritual insight on life's challenges.

Article Source: Sights, Sounds and Smells of Winter

Does Someone Need To Develop The Ability To Observe Their Mind If They Are Always Offended?

Does Someone Need To Develop The Ability To Observe Their Mind If They Are Always Offended?

By Oliver JR Cooper

During one's time at school, they are likely to have noticed that not everyone responded in the same way when it came to being told off by a teacher. There may have been people who just generally shrugged when this happened, while there may have been others who typically lost control.

A Clear Difference

It would then have seemed as though some people had the ability to control themselves and other people didn't. But even though some people didn't exercise self-control, one could put this down to their age.

Therefore, as the years went by, there would have been no reason for them to continue to behave in this manner. One could get in touch with a few people who behaved in this manner while they were at school and find that they are no longer the same.

No Different

Alternatively, they may find that some of these people are no different, with them being just as reactive as they were all those years ago. This would show that self-control is not something that simply develops by itself; it is something that needs to be developed.

However, one won't need to go back to what it was like whilst they were at school in order to think about someone like this. The only thing that they will need to do is to think about how some people behave on social media.

Today's World

One could think about what they have seen online over the years, and a number of examples could come to mind. In this case, what some people saw online and offline would have had a big effect on them.

In addition to this, one may have come into contact with a number of people in the real who responded in a similar manner. This could be because of what they saw online or it could relate to what happened in their day-to-day life.

Extremely Reactive

In just about all of these instances, something fairly trivial may have been enough to set them off. It might have seemed as though these people were being controlled by their own emotions.

Thus, even though they would have been autonomous human beings, they wouldn't have had the ability to manage what was taking place within them. Instead, the person or thing that offended them would have been in control of them.

A Positive Experience

It would then be easy to say that when someone has the tendency to be offended, they are just wasting their energy and not getting anything out of it, but that wouldn't be completely accurate. By reacting in this way, someone can be energised by their anger and feel as though they have the moral high ground.

A big part of this comes down to the fact behaving in this way is often seen as normal and how someone should behave when they don't agree with something. There is then going to be no reason for them to look into why they feel as they do, as someone else will have 'made them' feel this way.

Socially Acceptable Behaviour

There is then going to be no need for them to take responsibility for how they feel; someone else will be to blame. And if other people are in control of how they feel, it is going to mean that they are victims.

Due to this, they could believe that life is made up of people who oppress others and people who are oppressed. It is then going to be irrelevant that life is not this black and white, as what they believe will define how they experience life.

Distracted

If someone was just an observer of life, it wouldn't matter what they believe. Yet, as this is not possible, they will continue to experience life in this way unless they change what they believe.

So, for as long as one continues to believe that other people are in complete control of how they feel, they will be no need for them to take a step back and to look into why they are so reactive. What is going on internally will have taken over and this will define how they perceive what is taking place externally.

A New Approach

Even so, let's say that someone like this was to take the time to reflect on why they are so reactive, and this caused them to look into what is going on; they may find that they are too attached to what is taking place within them. Another way of looking at this would be to say that they are completely identified with their ego, with this being the reason why it is so easy for others to press their buttons.

The part of them that observers their feelings, thoughts, emotions, and sensations, will be undeveloped. Their emotional brain will be in control of them, and this means that their prefrontal cortex, the part of them that would allow them to observe their inner world, will be out of action.

A Gradual Process

Still, with the right training, there is no reason why someone can't develop the ability to observe their inner world, which will stop them from being controlled by it. Mindfulness mediation is one way that this can take place.

Another thing that can stop someone from being able to experience self-control is if they are carrying trauma. Perhaps they have been through things as an adult that have overwhelmed their system, or it might be the result of what they experienced as a child; if so, they might need to work with a therapist or a healer.

Conclusion

If someone like this was to develop their ability to step back and to observe their inner world, it doesn't necessarily mean that they will accept everything that happens; what it can mean is that they will experience more inner peace and that they will no longer be affected by the same things. When they do get worked up, they can take the time to look into why this is.

And if they come to the conclusion that their initial response is rational, they will be able to take the time to think about what they can do to make a difference. Consequently, they are likely to use their energy far more constructively.

Prolific writer, author, and coach, Oliver JR Cooper, hails from England. His insightful commentary and analysis covers all aspects of human transformation, including love, partnership, self-love, and inner awareness. With over one thousand six hundred in-depth articles highlighting human psychology and behaviour, Oliver offers hope along with his sound advice.

To find out more go to - http://www.oliverjrcooper.co.uk/

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Article Source: Does Someone Need To Develop The Ability To Observe Their Mind If They Are Always Offended?

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